These growths in the uterus, although benign, must be monitored and treated, as even a one to two centimeter myoma can cause serious problems with conception.
Gynecologists say that the presence of myomas can be easily detected through ultrasound examinations:
All the consequences caused by myomas can be detected if a woman undergoes regular gynecological check-ups. Timely detection prevents the development of complications and enables a pregnancy without the risk of miscarriage or abnormal fetal development.
What should be done when a myoma is detected?
When a doctor sees a myoma on ultrasound, they first determine its exact location, size, and whether the growth is vascularized and to what extent. In addition to the diagnosis, which is greatly facilitated by modern ultrasound machines, the doctor also considers the patient's age, whether she has given birth, whether she plans to have children, and whether she is nearing menopause...
All these data help determine the appropriate course of action, whether it be monitoring, surgery, or another decision. A five-centimeter myoma in a woman planning to have children and a myoma in a woman in menopause do not have the same therapy or follow-up approach.
What do the position and size of the myoma indicate?
Even a one to two centimeter myoma can cause serious problems if it is located within the uterine cavity, as seen on ultrasound. This myoma in the uterine cavity hinders a woman from becoming pregnant and the formation of the fetus, as it acts like a stone that causes discomfort.
Until it is removed, there is no space for a pregnancy to develop. However, it is also a fact that a myoma can be five centimeters in circumference and not cause any issues because it is located on the surface of the uterus. Nevertheless, clinical practice shows that myomas measuring seven, nine, or ten centimeters generally cause problems regardless of their location, as their size compresses the uterus and other organs in the small pelvis, which, as the name suggests, is not large. This means that it can put pressure on the bladder and the colon.
Can a myoma endanger an advanced pregnancy?
Yes, it can. A seven to eight centimeter myoma can exert so much pressure on the uterus that it can lead to placental abruption and heavier bleeding in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy.
How much can a fibroid grow?
Fibroids grow slowly. It has been calculated that they grow at a rate of nine percent over six months, so the body easily adapts to their presence, often without causing any symptoms. However, not all fibroids are the same. Some are monitored for months or even years, while others grow faster than the average. Therefore, this condition, like many others, is individual. Fibroids can range in size from one to two centimeters, which is very negligible, to even 20 centimeters. Sometimes a woman neglects her health to the point where we might think she is pregnant when we see how big her stomach is, but in reality, it is due to this benign tumor.
What are fibroids actually?
Fibroids are benign tumors that form from epithelial cells and fibrous tissue. Almost half of the female population suffers from these benign tumors, but many are unaware that they have them. Fibroids are mainly present in the uterus, unlike polyps that are found on the lining, and unlike cysts that are characteristic of the ovaries. Fibroids can be found in the uterine cavity, in the wall of the uterus, or on the surface. They are classified as submucosal when they occur in the uterine cavity, intramural when they are in the wall, and subserosal when they are on the surface of the uterus. In addition to their location, they can also vary in size.
Why do fibroids develop?
Fibroids are estrogen-dependent tumors. This means that they occur during the reproductive period and are less common during menopause. When they do occur during menopause, their growth is usually slowed down due to the lack of estrogen. Studies have shown chromosomal aberrations in fibroid cells, leading to the conclusion that there is a genetic basis for their development. They are more common in obese individuals and in women who have not given birth. They are less common in smokers, but the reason for this is unknown.
Do fibroids cause symptoms?
Yes, they often cause symptoms such as prolonged menstrual bleeding, heavy bleeding, and pressure in the abdomen. In women of childbearing age, the ultimate consequence can be infertility, or the inability to conceive.
When is surgery necessary for fibroids, and when are they simply monitored?
Whether fibroids require surgery depends on their size, location, whether the woman plans to have a pregnancy, whether she is in menopause, and whether they are growing. It can be said that the approach to treating fibroids is individual, as both large and small fibroids can cause problems.
How often does this benign tumor become malignant?
Fibroids rarely become malignant. Data shows that this occurs in 0.7 percent of cases, and some even claim it is as low as 0.04 percent. If it does become malignant, it is one of the most aggressive tumors known as sarcoma.